Do the cases given change depending on what "level" you're interviewing for? Or is it similar/same cases but with difference expectation/rubric?
Hey there,
That depends on the firm, but from my experience, the cases broadly are the same across level, but the bar / expectation changes based on the seniority of the level you'd be coming in (i.e. a higher levels of performance is required from experienced hires coming in at more senior levels vs a new graduate applying for an entry role)
Just to add, cases may differ based on level of specialization of the role and topical nature of some roles vs others.
But from a candidate point of view, you wouldn't know the degree to which the expectation changes, so this shouldn't affect your preparation at all. You should prepare and give the best you can! :-)
Happy to chat more on this if you'd like. DM me and we can have a bit of a chat
All the best!
Yes, the case content is often similar across levels but the expectations and evaluation criteria are different:
1. Junior candidates (e.g. Analyst, Associate):
2. Senior candidates (e.g. Project Leader, Manager):
Same case types, different depth and ownership. Senior hires are judged more on judgment and leadership, not just logic and math.
Hmm, not really.
The cases are made more difficult by how the interviewer presents them, the questions they ask and the expectations they have from your answers.
So in that sense, a person applying as BA and one as Associate might receive the same case, but the expectations are significantly different in line with their roles.
This applies also to the distinction between first round and second round. Formally, there aren't 'second round' cases, even though the terminology is used often among candidates.
Best,
Cristian
Hi there, great question we get this a lot! not sure if this is specifically for MBB but I most recently have been leading hiring for big four strategy consulting in Australia and during interview we often give the same cases, and have different expectations on the answers but there are certain common qualities we look for around clear and structured communication, logical reasoning etc
- Junior level up to senior consultant (1-3 years)
Framework: more general is okay, and hit most answers
Communication: structured but okay if there is more details
Client leadership: not really tested here although definitely bonus points
- Mid level up to manager (4-6 years)
Framework: expect to be tailored to the case
Communication: short, sharp and succinct and simple language to explain complex concepts , but still conversational
Client leadership: expecting to think about the problem from client perspective, is the solution actually realistic and where are the risks/next steps for delivery
Happy to chat more!
The cases are exactly the same regardless of the seniority.
The main differences? A senior candidate will do more interviews (e.g., a partner candidate might go through up to 10 case interviews at McKinsey). Also, the fit and knowledge interviews are deeper—they expect strong judgment, leadership stories, and an ability to speak credibly about business at a high level.
Best,
Alberto
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Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: TitanTrail - Operations Outsourcing
Hi,
The cases (e.g., prompt, industry ...) are largly the same across each level. The major difference is they expect more from you during the case (e.g., more precise, structured, better backed-up with real examples ...)
Kr,
Mattjs
Hi,
You've already received sound advice but I would add:
If you'd like to chat about what is the best role for you to apply for, please reach out :)
Good luck and happy to chat!
Like many responses, the answer is yes and no.
No in the sense that interviewers often use the same case regardless of the interviewees' level - so the 'question' is more or less the same.
Yes in the sense that the expectations do change. To elaborate and give more color to what some of the coaches are saying - from an interviewers POV: If you are an MBA candidate with ~5 years work experience, I would definitely be less impressed if the answer was the same as what an intern interviewee with ~2 years of college experience gave.
It's the later. Tend to be the same cases, but expectation on performance is different.
Hi there,
As an interviewer, I use the same case. But I would have different expectations and also act differently during the process. E.g., for senior hiring, I expect better business sense so I wouldn't jump in to provide information as quickly as if I am interviewing a junior hiring; I expect more ownership to drive the problem solving, so I might stay quiet more often and wait for the candidate to find the path; I expect more maturity and more effective communication from the interviewee as well... Just some examples which I hope they give you some idea of what the difference could be.
Best,
Emily
hey there!
Yes, the cases generally remain similar across junior and senior hiring, but the expectations and rubric are different.
For junior roles (e.g., Analyst or Associate), the focus is often on problem-solving skills, structured thinking, and basic analysis. They look for logical reasoning, your ability to break down problems, and how well you can communicate your thoughts.
For senior roles (e.g., Project Leader or Manager), the cases are typically more complex, and the interviewers are assessing leadership, strategic thinking, client management, and how you handle ambiguity. You may also be expected to show how you lead teams and drive initiatives, as well as your ability to influence decision-making at a higher level.
So while the case content might be similar, the depth of analysis, leadership, and strategic vision expected will be higher for senior roles.
Best, Alessa
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